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Columbia College head men's basketball coach and athletic director Bob Burchard was surprised with the announcement of a scholarship named in his honor Thursday, Oct. 18 at Boone County National Bank.

Five contributors made leadership gifts to endow the Bob Burchard Celebration of Excellence scholarship. The five lead gifts total $111,000 which is nearing the $125,000 goal. The contributors include: Gene Koepke; Greg Johnston; Web Bixby; Skip and Daisy Grossnickle and the Insurance Group; Kathi and L’Mont Betz; and Boone County National Bank.

“It is with great pleasure that I share with you that a scholarship has been created in Bob Burchard’s name to honor his career accomplishments and 25 years of service to Columbia College,” said Dr. Gerald Brouder, president of Columbia College.

The newly created scholarship support student athletes and the department of Athletics.

Burchard begins his 25th year as Columbia College head men’s basketball coach and athletic director. He was inducted into the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Hall of Fame in March 2012. The Hall of Fame is the highest honor bestowed by the NAIA. Inductees must be persons of outstanding quality, high moral character, fine leadership ability and be held in high esteem by colleagues, coaches and athletes. Burchard has been the face of Cougar athletics and especially men's basketball for the past 24 years. Compiling a record of 597-225 (.726), he has the most wins in program history and has led the Cougars to 16 NAIA National Championship appearances. Under his guidance, the Cougars have averaged nearly 25 victories per season, and 84 student-athletes have earned academic all-conference honors; 18 of which have received All-American athletic honors. Burchard has been named American Midwest Conference (AMC) Coach of the Year seven times.

Columbia College is part of the American Midwest Conference (AMC). In the past 18 years, the Cougars have been to 55 NAIA National Championship Tournaments, winning three national titles and placing in the top five on 16 occasions.

Founded in 1851 in Columbia, Mo., Columbia College has been helping students advance their lives through higher education for more than 160 years. As a private, nonprofit, liberal arts and sciences institution, the college takes pride in its small classes, experienced faculty and quality educational programs. With more than 30 Nationwide Campuses across the country, 18 of which are on military instillations, students may enroll in day, evening or online classes. The college is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association. Columbia College educates more than 30,000 students each year and has more than 74,000 alumni worldwide. For more information, visit www.ccis.edu.